In case you need it: Sim (middle) posing for pictures after the launch with Abdul Rahman (third from left), Subahan (second from left), Socso Group Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed (left) and Rashid Shukor (second from right). — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Over 180,000 Grab Malaysia drivers (e-hailing) and dispatchers (p-hailing) have received Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) contributions, says Steven Sim Chee Keong.
The Human Resources Minister said the sponsorship protection by Grab Malaysia was under the company’s management and is for a coverage period of 12 months, starting from the date the Grab partners registered with the platform.
“The Grab Malaysia sponsorship is through the Budget 2024 initiative, under the SKSPS contribution matching grant where 90% is borne by the government.
“The remaining 10% is sponsored by Grab Malaysia for its more than 180,000 drivers and delivery partners,” he said after officiating the launch of the SKSPS contribution sponsorship and exchange of a memorandum of understanding between the Human Resources ministry, Social Security Organisation (Socso) and Grab Malaysia here yesterday, Bernama reported.Also present were Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, Socso chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal and Grab Malaysia operations and mobility director Rashid Shukor.
Sim said through the initiative, free coverage is given to those who qualify – thereby reducing the burden on e-hailing drivers and p-hailing dispatchers in obtaining protection to ensure the safety of their families in the event of any disaster during the course of work.
He said the significance of the SKSPS to contributors was proven based on Socso data this year until May 24, when it recorded 2,033 claim cases with total interest payments reaching more than RM8.93mil covering 20 sectors.
“For the same period, the e-hailing and p-hailing sectors recorded a total of 631 claim cases with interest payments amounting to RM3.3mil,” he said.
For this year, until May 24, Socso recorded a total of 622,473 active SKSPS contributors.
Sim also urged corporate companies, whether gig platforms or other companies, to come forward and improve the social security protection for their employees, especially those who are currently not protected under Act 4.
They include conventional workers such as those who are self-employed, small traders and gig platform workers who are not formal.
Earlier in his speech, Rashid said Grab Malaysia was pleased to carry out its collaboration with Socso in sponsoring contributions made by drivers and dispatchers through the SKSPS contribution programme, in line with Grab’s commitment to provide flexible income opportunities while looking after their welfare.
“In an effort to encourage more partners to register for SKSPS, Grab will also take advantage of relevant platforms and channels to drive awareness and further educate its drivers and dispatchers across the country,” he said.
On another matter, Sim said the first interim report on the study to establish Malaysia’s Gig Economy Commission will be tabled at the Cabinet meeting today.
He said the report was prepared in collaboration with the Human Resources ministry and Universiti Malaya.
“This is a framework information paper that we have created for now. After this, we will get additional inputs from the Cabinet, then we will make further study and the final paper will be completed in August,” he said.
